With the Omicron variant spreading throughout the country and the valley, a couple of things make this new variant unique compared to the other strains.
Vaquero Rádio spoke to Dr. Cruz Bernal, a family practice physician who oversees COVID patience at Starr County Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Bernal was asked what makes the Omicron variant different from past versions of the virus, and he said,
“It’s less virulent. It is very contagious but it is less virulent.”
Dr. Bernal defines virulence as the damage and effects that a virus does to one’s body, so while the Omicron variant may not do as much harm, it spreads faster than the other variants.
When asked about whether the Omicron variant has unique symptoms that can differentiate it, Dr. Bernal had this to say.
“Unfortunately not, and they are also very very similar to the ones for flu…There’s one that might be different…the loss of taste, but other than that, they’re very similar.”
Dr. Bernal warns, however, that despite the virulence, there is another factor that determines how the Omicron variant may affect someone.
“ For non-vaccinated people, we’re seeing that the Omicron can really harm the person…we’re seeing less hospitalizations, but I can safely say that it’s due to the vaccination status of our community.”
According to the Center for Disease Control’s website, those with the vaccine can still test positive for COVID and its variants but remain effective in protecting people from severe illness or hospitalization.
Dr. Bernal urges everyone to continue taking precautions such as wearing their mask and making sure you not only receive it but stay up to date with vaccinations.
“Number one is the vaccine…number two would be the booster, number three would be using a mask especially if you are in small groups.”
He also says to keep up with healthy choices and not let the pandemic get to you psychologically.
This is Rodolfo Alvarado for Vaquero Radio.
